1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
While fans and pundits stroke their chins and ponder Arsenal’s attacking alchemy, their defensive record is perhaps taken for granted.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
This is what passes as development these days, and what comes out of the Chad Powers process is mostly lousy, a corporate exercise in content alchemy that plays like a coloring book where the outlines are already drawn.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Beyond lies further alchemy, as film is transmuted into digital form.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
This is what passes as development these days, and what comes out of the Chad Powers process is mostly lousy, a corporate exercise in content alchemy that plays like a coloring book where the outlines are already drawn.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Beyond lies further alchemy, as film is transmuted into digital form.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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The relationship between the Nazis and the occult wasn’t black or white, but according to historian Eric Kurlander, Nazism and various branches of occultism became noticeably intertwined almost immediately after the founding of the National Socialist German Workers Party in 1919.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
8 Oct. 2025
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Pynchon’s daunting masterpiece, a white whale of a Great American Novel, is stuffed with pun-tastic songs, rocket science and World War II-era occultism.—
John Lopez,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ready to let the humble-yet-mighty brown work its magic in your wardrobe this fall?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
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But the real magic comes from strategically arranging guests to spark conversations.—
Editors of Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Game of Thrones‘ upcoming prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place 100 years before the events of the original series, in a Westeros where sorcery and dragons are a thing of the past.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
11 Oct. 2025
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In this Fixed sign, Mars’ sorcery is much like a surgeon or a chemist, cutting deep to unveil what’s lingering beneath the surface.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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With good reason, as the history of this Louisiana city is filled with lore of witchcraft, voodoo, and even vampires.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
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There are occult- and witchcraft-themed shops and museums, tall ships and tours.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Now, thanks to their design wizardry, the property has been deftly transformed into one five-bedroom, seven-bath retreat that’s understated and approachable with a relaxed floor plan.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
6 Oct. 2025
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So who knows what kind of pelvic floor wizardry she’s been whipping up this time around?—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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